Polymyksiin

Polymyksiin is a class of antibiotics that are effective against a wide range of bacterial infections. The term "polymyksiin" is derived from the Greek words "poly," meaning many, and "myksiin," referring to the action of killing bacteria. These antibiotics are often used to treat infections caused by gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species. Polymyksiin antibiotics work by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, leading to the disruption and death of the bacteria.

The most well-known member of the polymyksiin class is vancomycin, which was first isolated from the soil bacterium Amycolatopsis orientalis in the 1950s. Vancomycin is particularly effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of bacteria that is resistant to many other antibiotics. Other notable polymyksiin antibiotics include teicoplanin and telavancin, which are used to treat serious infections in patients who are unable to tolerate or respond to vancomycin.

Polymyksiin antibiotics are typically administered intravenously and are often used in combination with other antibiotics to cover a broader spectrum of bacterial infections. They are generally well-tolerated but can cause side effects such as kidney damage, hearing loss, and allergic reactions. Due to their potential for inducing resistance and their limited effectiveness against certain bacterial strains, the use of polymyksiin antibiotics is carefully monitored and prescribed by healthcare professionals.